Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Chrystal

Hands down, this is the most endearing book Ive ever read. What makes it great is the amazing characterization of the lovable protagonist Charlie. This is seriously the only book Ive never wanted to put down.

Chbosky has the most provocative and honest way of writing. The text is simple and easy to read, complementing the genuineness of Charlies character.

Through his letters to an ambiguous reader, Charlies world of innocence, literature, first-time drug use, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, sex, and growing up is unraveled. Chbosky creates a relationship between the reader and Charlie, so that it seems Charlie is writing directly to the reader.

This book has been compared to The Catcher in the Rye and A Separate Peace, but it is not a tale of a depressed, angst-ridden teenager in search of himself while criticizing the rest of the world. Rather, it is the narrative of a unique young wallflower, one who sees things ... [keeps] quiet about them ... and [understands], and looks for an honest world to live in.

Spanning his freshman year, Charlie grows from a naive child to an independent and thoughtful character with the guidance of an English teacher and two seniors. Charlies mind is far from simple, and he faces many obstacles including death in his family, dating, drugs, rape, suicide and his strong emotions. By conquering these, Charlie emerges as an even stronger character.

On the first page, Charlie says that he just [needs] to know that someone out there listens and understands and doesnt try to sleep with people even if they could have. Im-mediately, I took this book to heart because Charlie has a way of putting my ideas into words. There is a little part of Charlie in everyone. After reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower, I assure you that Charlie will be with you forever.